Engagement Closely tied to Excellence , Engagement defines what our Griffins accomplish in addition to their studies . Our students are known for making long-lasting connections with professors and classmates , which are relationships that continue to thrive long after graduation . Our students take part in clubs , serve the community , and engage in other activities that help shape who become after they graduate . Our Athletics program is another example of a tight-knit Engagement community that greatly impacts our Griffins .

Athletics I was able to come into my freshman year with an immediate group of friends who I could relate to easily as we were all experiencing the same things together . I was lucky enough to be named a captain my senior year and it taught me lessons that transcended the field and have helped me in my career and personal life - time management , leadership , teamwork , and at times , how to be humble .

-Brandon Rodriguez ' 16 Criminal Justice

Current Position : Loan Consultant , Caliber Home

Loans , Inc .

Experience Some of the most valuable lessons in life are learned outside of the classroom . The most successful graduates gain hands-on experience that can directly translate into skills that they ’ ll need in their careers . As a part of The Griffin Edge , our students gain experience in countless ways , including clinicals , student teaching , undergraduate research , study abroad , and internships . The Griffin Student Leadership Institute , which is a comprehensive program for students who are looking to craft their leadership skills , connects students with internal and external mentors as they explore what it means to be a leader .

GSLI The Exceptional Leader Program at Gwynedd Mercy University partnered me with two incredible mentors , facilitated conversations with insightful supplemental materials , and helped me better know myself . The social change model of leadership is , I believe , one that helps you discover your role as a leader , an individual , and an agent of change . Following my participation in this program , I feel aptly prepared to be an active citizen while keeping in mind my own values and my commitment to helping others . I will water the flower , feed it with fertilizer , and watch it grow .

- Michelle Handy ' 17 Human Service

Current Position : Graduate Student , earning her Master ’ s in Social Work ( MSW )

Empathy Mercy is our middle name . Addressing the needs of others is what we do . Our GMercyU Griffins have the opportunity to participate in experiences that are directly connected to our University Mission and Core Values . Whether it ’ s participating in Alternative Spring Break and other community service opportunities , or refining their leadership styles as members of one of our many clubs or organizations , our students develop the tools -- and values -- to make a difference for themselves and for others . One of the most popular ways our students develop Empathy is through Alternative Spring Break mission trips .

Alternative Spring Break During these trips , we were immersed in unfamiliar communities and charged with providing needed services to those there . These experiences were eye opening for several reasons . The first is that many of the students on the trips , including myself , had not spent much time in communities much different than their own , much less gotten to know individuals from those communities . There is value in these types of experiences , as they foster empathy and broaden perspectives . Another is that we were shown that acts of service and kindness can be modest and still have a large impact .

-Sean Carney ' 11 , PhD Biology

Current Position : Research Fellow in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology ,

Harvard Medical School

Encouragement To find your passion , you must be prepared to take risks . Encouragement provides the support students need to take courageous steps towards the future . This is achieved through faculty and staff mentors , student support services , and so much more . Encouragement is about offering students the guidance they need to step outside their comfort zones and believe in their power to make real and lasting change – for themselves and for others . One of the most utilized forms of Encouragement on campus is the Academic Resource Center , which offers tutors , academic coaching , career development , and more .

Academic Resource Center There ’ s so many great resources on campus . I ’ ve used the Academic Resource Center to help me with my papers for getting into grad school . Nick Schaeffer in Career Development helped me work on my resume . That is what Mercy is all about . Through their mercy , it helped me grow as a person and in turn , spread mercy to others .

-Andreana Spillane ' 17 History

Current Position : Student in Museum Studies Certificate

Program